As announced on the Battlefield Blog, the Battlefield Website announces open beta testing of Battlefield 3 will commence on September 29th, allowing early access to DICE's military shooter sequel for all three of its target platforms. There is a brief FAQ confirming that EA's Origin service will be required to acquire and play the Windows beta, and explaining how and when to qualify for early access, which commences on October 25th. They also offer system requirements, confirming reports that the game will not support Windows XP:

Cutter wrote on Sep 20, 2011, 12:00:Hrm, Poopyfield 3 or Call of Poopy? Neither methinks. Those games have turned into the same crappy franchises like EA sports. I can't believe people pay money for this shite!